DATING ADVICE
Finding Love Online: Going through the “Contact” and “Meet-Up” Phases
According to Statista, 44.2 million Americans used online dating services in 2020. The number is expected to increase to 53.3 million by 2025. These statistics tell us that online dating is becoming the new norm.
People are turning to dating sites and apps to find love. While some find success, others do not. However, one thing is certain, the Internet has revolutionized dating.
Now, if you’re eager to try your luck online, joining a dating site is just the first step. Take into account that you won’t get decent matches instantly. Before that, you need to put in the effort to create an interesting profile.
Then there’s the contact and meeting phases, which are the most crucial steps. This is where you get to interact with your potential matches and determine if they are the right fit for you.
Here are a few steps to help you get by:
Contact Phase
1. Focus on using the platform.
If you find someone interesting on the site, don’t scare them away by asking them for their phone number or private social media account on the spot. As much as possible, keep your interactions within the platform.
2. Know the person.
Online dating is not a race. If you’re always in a rush and skip every person on the platform you find uninteresting, it might take you a long time to find a potential romantic partner.
Take your time, and don’t snub possible matches. Give people a chance, and they might surprise you.
Strike up a conversation. Ask your matches about their interests, occupations, or what they’re looking for in a partner. Ask “why” questions to learn the depth of your matches’ personalities and traits.
If you feel that there’s no spark, then best to bid goodbye and move on to the next.
3. Look them up on the Internet.
Search their name on the Internet and see if you find anything that can verify their identity. You can compare the details and photos they’ve sent you. It’s reasonable to stalk if you don’t want to waste your time chatting with the wrong person.
Move on if you don’t feel comfortable with the person. Even if she is interesting enough, you know well that you are not a good match. There’s nothing wrong with it, and you’re saving up time and effort in the long run.
Meeting Phase
Meet in a public place.
If both of you don’t know where to go, you can meet in a public area like a coffee shop or a bar. And once you feel comfortable and safe around each other, you can always change locations.
2. Be Punctual.
Leave your place early. If you’re punctual, it leaves a positive impression on your date. It tells her that you’re interested in meeting her. It’s common courtesy not to let the person wait, especially during first dates.
3. Travel plans.
Arrange your transportation if you’re picking her up. If you’re flying to a different country to score a first date with a foreign woman, plan everything ahead of time to avoid any problems.
Getting and going through these two phases is crucial in online dating. They give you an idea if the woman you’re getting to know is worth your time. So be meticulous and sincere throughout the journey, and you might get lucky finding your ideal woman.
